Achieve Report Highlights Indiana Progress

The following news is from the Indiana Department of Education: A report released this week highlights Indiana's efforts to raise graduation requirements and ensure that all students graduate ready for college or the workforce. The report recognizes Indiana as one of only eight states that require a rigorous college- and work-ready curriculum for graduation. This is just another example that the important work that Indiana has done is paying off, Dr. Reed said. Our high expectations and standards are models for other states and should be applauded. The report, Closing the Expectations Gap 2006: An Annual 50-State Progress Report on the Alignment of High School Policies with the Demands of College and Work, was issued by Achieve, Inc., a bi-partisan, non-profit, Washington, D.C.-based organization, that helps states raise academic standards, improve assessments, and strengthen accountability to prepare all students for post-secondary education and the workforce. Last year, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law that will make Core 40 the standard course of study for students entering high school during the 2006-2007 school year. The Core 40 curriculum is a balanced sequence of academically rigorous high school courses in the core subjects of English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies; physical education/health and wellness; and electives including world languages, career/technical, and fine arts. Students electing to graduate with the traditional diploma will have to complete a formal opt-out process involving parental consent. The change shows students that our expectations are higher because the world's expectations are higher, said Dr. Reed. We know from past experience that our students will rise to the challenge. According to the report, 35 states are taking steps to align high school standards with college and workplace expectations, but only five states - California, Indiana, Nebraska, New York, and Wyoming - have completed this work. The full 50-state report is available online at www.achieve.org.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.